Fourth of July Safety Tips from Your Central New York Personal Injury Lawyer

Fourth of July, Independence Day, or whatever you want to call it. It’s here! And in New York, where private fireworks are illegal, many citizens are pitted against the law. I personally spend the evening of the Third on Otisco Lake, which is illuminated like a roman candle by private fireworks displays, though I don’t buy or handle fireworks myself (sounds kinda corny, but I like to obey the law!)

Don’t try to alter fireworks or combine them. Use them as they were meant to be used.

Never try to relight a “dud” firework. Wait a half an hour, and then put it under water.

Keep a safe distance from the “shooter”.

If you are the shooter, wear safety glasses.

Don’t drink if you are the shooter.

Be at least 13 years old if you are the shooter.

Hand-held sparklers are a common cause of injury, especially among toddlers, who may trip and fall on a sparkler and burn themselves, including in the eye. A child who falls on his sparkler has fallen on a welding torch!

Never let young children handle fireworks.

Most Fourth of July fires are caused by throwing fireworks from moving vehicles. Don’t!

Do not use fireworks while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

No getting around it; Americans love their fireworks for the Fourth, legal or not. But if you are going to engage in this (illicit) joy, follow the above safety tips to avoid accidental fires, explosion injuries, burn injuries, and other personal injury.